Understanding Agile is a practical guide for managers for managers who are currently working in
an Agile environment or have plans to adopt an Agile methodology within their organizations.
This guide describes what Agile means, its benefits and pitfalls and the difference between Agile
and more traditional approaches. The importance of being a manager in an Agile team is
highlighted, as well as leadership styles, approaches to project management and understanding
team members needs. Topics include: when to use an Agile approach, essential tools and
techniques, monitoring risk and stakeholder management.
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Clearly explains the concept and principles of Agile
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Outlines essential tools and techniques
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Discusses the type of Agile methods available
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Highlights how Agile can deliver value and be measured
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Clear guidance on how to incorporate Agile into governance processes
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Written by a highly experienced author
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Glossary and appendices for quick reference
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Anecdotes throughout based on the author’s experience
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Includes budget management and best practice.
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Also available as an ebook from Amazon
This practical guide explains how to introduce and manage sustainable Agile approaches. The
type of methods available and how they can work together are explained, as well as how they
can be incorporated into organisational governance.
'Understanding Agile: A Guide for Managers by Steve Messenger, is an easy-to-read introduction to agile which doesn't assume any previous knowledge from the reader. It makes a good argument for adopting agile and backs this up with guidance for creating a wider, more sustainable agile environment.
As the book is aimed at managers, it addresses elements relevant to this role including governance, planning, and directing or sponsoring initiatives. There is a really useful table that presents all the different agile methodologies currently in play, and throughout the book there are easy-to-understand explanations of many agile techniques that can be confusing for non-agile practitioners. Overall, this is useful practical guidance for non-agile managers and executives.
Overall, this is useful practical guidance for non-agile managers and executives.'
Melanie Franklin, Agile Change Management Ltd
'Steve Messenger has produced a "must read" guide for any business manager who wants to understand both why Agile is good for running business projects, and how to go about it (and the pitfalls and myths to avoid!). His experience in running projects of all sizes, from the "mega" to the single deliverable, shines through every chapter. As such he shows a comprehensive understanding of the topic in all its aspects, from the philosophy to individual techniques. This book is comprehensive but easily digested, as any good management book should be, and in Chapter 3 (Agile Governance and Organization ) he gives a good definition of Agile – to paraphrase "the right things are done" and "things are done right". In summary, here we are 20 years on and Steve Messenger shows us how Agile is a way of running and transforming a business, not just doing IT projects better.'
Ed Holt, Intinsica Consulting Limited
'This is a great read for the manager or executive about to embrace Agile techniques. In plain English, it takes the reader through an Agile approach to a project, dispelling myths and helping the reader understand what it would be like to take on Agile. The book carefully explains the differences of managing an Agile project to running with a waterfall method. The guide is very practical, making use of easy-to-relate to examples. There are lots of Agile techniques within these pages that organizations can benefit from whether they move to a full Agile model or not. The book is so well written that you can skip to a relevant chapter within the book to focus on a particular topic and not lose context. Of particular use is the way the author has explained how to create a sustainable Agile environment, describing roles and interactions very well. It's an essential read for anyone considering Agile and I will hand it out to my colleagues in that light.'
Dave Wright, QVC Solutions
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